James Ross “Jim” Eakins, Sr., age 88, of Shelby, OH, went to be with his Savior, The Lord Jesus Christ, on Sunday evening, May 24, 2026 at his home with his loving wife by his side.
Jim was born June 22, 1937 in Wilmington, OH to Robert Ross and Ella Elizabeth (Hughes) Eakins. He graduated from Wilmington High School in 1955. Jim began a lifelong career in the grocery business at the Albers Supermarket in Wilmington while he was still in high school. He went into managership training in 1963 and open the new Albers Supermarket in Shelby, OH in 1964. In 1968 he transferred to Washington Courthouse, OH, working there for nine years prior to being transferred back to Shelby in late 1976 where he completed his career at Great Scot- retiring in June of 1999. Jim loved the grocery business, his customers, and fellow employees. He was known by some as “Mr. Great Scot”.
Jim married Barbara Dotson on June 7, 1959. They were married almost 67 years. Two children were born of their union- James Ross, Jr. and Gale Ann.
Jim loved the Lord and was baptized when he was twelve years old. He was a member of the Greenwich Church of Christ where he had served as a Sunday School teacher and an elder.
For hobbies, Jim liked to go birdwatching, hiking, and camping. He took his family on many camping trips to the National Parks, both in the east and in the west.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law: Robert Glen and Janet (Humphrey) Eakins; and his sister-in-law: Terry Eakins.
Surviving are his wife: Barbara; his children: James Ross (Tammy) Eakins, Jr. and Gale Ann (Jerry) Stair; 5 grandchildren: Allen (Betty) Eakins, Sarah (Lloyd) Picklesimer, Mark (J.J.) Stair, Joel Stair, and Kara Stair; 6 great grandchildren: Romina Eakins, Axel Pickelsimer, and Josiah, Malachi, Mira, and Judah Stair; brother: William Eakins; sister: Phyllis (David) Wisecup; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Chawla and OhioHealth Hospice with Compassus for caring for Jim; our neighbor: Dennis Milligan for his friendship and help; and the church family at Greenwich Church of Christ for their constant prayers and love.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 3-5 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will immediately follow at 5 pm. Evangelist Carl Snelling will officiate the services. Graveside services and burial will be on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 11 am at New Antioch Cemetery (1101 Antioch Road, Wilmington, OH 45177). All are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial contributions be made to the Greenwich Church of Christ, 10 Townsend Street, Greenwich, OH 44837.
Condolences may be left on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page.
This man was so nice! He will be missed! So sorry
Barb & family, so sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. Prayers for you & all your family. 🙏🙏
Sorry for your loss. He was a nice man and a good friend to my parents Dave and Imogene Shepherd.
sorry for the loss of Jim. he was a good guy. he runed the store awesomely. thank you for doing what you do in your life and sorry for the family
Hearing of Uncle Jim’s passing has brought back so many memories of the fun times we shared. I’ll always remember when our families went on vacations to Colorado and Montana — especially that 13‑mile hike in Glacier National Park. Jim and I reached the highest point first, sitting together with nothing but Cheetos and Coke while we waited for the rest of the family to catch up. The simple conversations in times like this as well as those we had at Grandma and Grandpa’s house during our holiday functions will still stay with me. Uncle Jim lived life with kindness. He will be missed. Praying for Aunt Barb and the family during this difficult time.
I know that Jim is with his Savior and Lord…. without pain… without struggle…praising his Savior all the day long. RIP Jim see you someday again!
So sorry for the loss of such a dear family friend..He will be dearly missed by so many Our thoughts & prayers for them in this time of sorrow
to Barbara, and all who loved Jim, my sincere sympathy.
Jim was. indeed, the face of Great Scot! He could claim me as an acquaintance who genuinely enjoyed our encounters there, as well as chance meetings during the past decades.
Jim was a straight shooter for sure. Our sincere condolences to Barbara and your family. May he Rest in Peace.
We have fond memories of Jim’s service in the Greenwich Church during our interim ministry there. Our prayers are with Barb & family.
I knew Jim since I was a child from the grocery store at Great Scot. We as kids called him “Scott” back then because we thought of him as the head of the store. Later, in life I told him that story and he laughed. I was privileged to know and care for him as a patient for many years. I’ve had some wonderful conversations with Jim and Barbara that I will always treasure. My deepest condolences to Barb and family. May Gods love surround you and always comfort your every need. May Jim’s light always shine to those that knew and loved him.